Best Devon Gimbel MD Podcasts (2025)

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118. Jet-Set with JAL: Bilt’s Boldest Transfer Partner Yet 38:25

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2d ago38:25

38:25

Have you ever dreamed of flying to Japan in business class—without paying out of pocket? Bilt just made that a lot easier. In this episode, I’m joined by award travel strategist Ben Komenkul to talk about the newest (and most exciting) Bilt Rewards transfer partner: Japan Airlines. This partnership opens the door to premium flights across Asia and …

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117. Making Smart Transfer Moves: When Speculative Points Transfers are Worth It (And When They’re Not) 27:06

9d ago27:06

27:06

A major points transfer pathway is shutting down—and it's got a lot of people wondering: should I move my Amex points to Alaska Airlines before the door closes? In this episode, I break down the fast-approaching June 30 deadline to transfer Amex points to Hawaiian Airlines (and from there to Alaska), and walk you through my personal decision—includ…

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116. The Award Travel Trick Hiding in Plain Sight: Fifth Freedom Flights 25:26

16d ago25:26

25:26

If you’ve ever struggled to find award space—especially in business class—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. In this episode, I’m diving into a unique but often overlooked type of airline route called a fifth freedom flight. These flights are legal exceptions in commercial aviation that allow an airline to fly between two foreign countrie…

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115. Rhythms, Routines, and REM: Expert Tips to Manage Jet Lag & Sleep Disruption While Crossing Time Zones 43:38

23d ago43:38

43:38

No matter how dreamy your destination is, there’s one thing that can make or break your trip: sleep. In this episode, I’m joined by sleep therapists Leah Corkum and Marlee Boyle, co-founders of Sleep-Works, a Canadian-based virtual sleep education company helping individuals and families improve their sleep health. With certifications in CBT for in…

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114. Finally! Turning Your Mortgage into Points: How Mesa is Flipping the Script on Rewards 30:56

30d ago30:56

30:56

There’s finally a card that rewards you for the one expense that’s been completely ignored in the points world: your mortgage. In this episode, I’m talking with Kelley Halpin, CEO of Mesa, about the first credit card that lets you earn points for mortgage payments—plus other major homeowner expenses like daycare, utilities, and home improvement. Ke…

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113. 4 Ways to Maximize Points for Costco Spend (Without Overcomplicating It) 20:10

1M ago20:10

20:10

Whether your Costco haul includes a 5-pound bag of almonds or a giant sectional sofa, one thing is certain: you’re probably not spending just a few bucks. If you’ve ever wondered how to earn more credit card points on your Costco runs, this episode walks you through four smart, strategic ways to maximize rewards—whether you’re shopping in-store, on…

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112. Best Ever or Big Mistake? 3 Steps to Evaluate if Best-Ever Welcome Offers are Right for You 14:40

1M ago14:40

14:40

A limited time elevated credit card bonus offer sounds amazing—so should you go for it? In this episode, I break down how to evaluate elevated credit card welcome bonuses so you can make a smart, strategic decision. Using the current Chase Sapphire Preferred offer as a real-world example, I walk through the three questions you need to ask before ju…

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111. Life, Travel, and Money Hacks with Chris Hutchins 1:06:42

2M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

What does it look like to fully optimize your life—not just financially, but how you travel, make decisions, and spend your time? In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Hutchins, host of All the Hacks, for a fast-paced conversation about how to get more value, joy, and efficiency from everything you do. We talk about optimizing credit card rewards, s…

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110. 2025 Tax Payment Updates You Need to Know with Dr. Sujatha Murali 42:01

2M ago42:01

42:01

With changes to credit card processing platforms and fee structures for 2025, the strategy for paying taxes with a credit card—and earning points while doing it—has shifted. In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and points expert Dr. Sujatha Murali to walk you through the major changes in tax payment processing for 2025—and how to earn huge…

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109. How to Pack Smart for Travel Without Sacrificing Style with Cassandra Sethi 35:06

2M ago35:06

35:06

Have you ever stood in front of your suitcase, overwhelmed, unsure what to pack—or panic-ordered outfits days before a trip that you’ll never wear again? You’re not alone. In fact, this episode might be exactly what your suitcase (and closet) needs. In this episode, I’m joined by Cassandra Sethi, personal stylist and founder of Next Level Wardrobe,…

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108. Credit Card Points Transfers: Do’s, Don’ts, and Pro Tips 43:43

2M ago43:43

43:43

As someone who has booked over $192,000 worth of travel using points just this year, I've learned that mastering the art of points transfers is the key to unlocking incredible travel experiences. But knowing when and where to transfer your points isn't always straightforward or intuitive, especially when you're new to this hobby. In this episode, I…

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107. Skill Stacking Your Way to Better Points Redemptions 37:28

3M ago37:28

37:28

Do you feel confident in your points redemption skills, or do you suspect you might be missing out on better deals? With a little knowledge and practice, you can learn to stack the key skills needed to get incredible value from your points, and I'm showing you how this week. Tune in as I break down the six key levels of points redemption skill stac…

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106. Lessons Learned & Top Tips from Running Thousands of Award Searches 35:14

3M ago35:14

35:14

I share my top tips for running successful award flight searches gleaned from years of experience booking award travel. Let's dive into the key differences between searching for cash flights versus award flights, and how to overcome the challenges of information overload and limited award seat inventory. I break down the most important mindset shif…

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105. Turn Payroll into Points: A Game-Changing Strategy for Business Owners with DeAndre Coke 35:51

3M ago35:51

35:51

In this episode, I'm joined by DeAndre Coke, a financial advisor and an avid traveler who was ranked by Forbes as one of Virginia’s top financial security professionals for two consecutive years. DeAndre shares his experience using an innovative platform called Zil Money to pay payroll with his credit card, racking up huge amounts of valuable rewar…

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104. Expert Answers to Your Top Award Travel Questions: Listener Q&A 53:06

3M ago53:06

53:06

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of award travel, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples. I break down complex topics like transferable points currencies, positioning flights, and maximizing leftover gift card balances in a way that's easy to understand and apply to your own travel goals…

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103. CME Secrets: Unlock International Travel with Dr. Courtney Downes 35:26

4M ago35:26

35:26

Are you a medical professional looking for ways to leverage your CME funds for travel? I'm joined by Dr. Courtney Downes, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, Points and Travel strategist, and founder of Prescription to Travel MD. She helps healthcare professionals optimize credit card points and travel hacks for accessible leisure, adve…

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102. Maldives Dream Vacation: Booking, Business Class & Insider Tips 1:12:34

4M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

From finding award availability to navigating the unique transportation logistics of getting to and from the Maldives, I walk you through everything that went into planning this ambitious trip. I also share my honest review of the flights we took, what it was like staying at the luxurious Park Hyatt Maldives, and how I kept food costs under control…

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101. Behind the Points: How the Travel Mom Squad Built a Thriving Travel Business 48:49

4M ago48:49

48:49

The Travel Mom Squad shares their journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential voices in the award travel industry. We dive into the challenges they faced along the way, the strategies they used to overcome them, and the lessons they learned as they grew their business. Get ready for an inside look at how these three power…

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100. The Podcast Turns 100 (Episodes)! Stories, Stats, and Surprises 29:19

4M ago29:19

29:19

In this special 100th episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the podcast’s journey. I share why I started this venture, reveal surprising statistics about the show, and discuss how I use what I’ve learned to make the next 100 episodes even better for you. Whether you're a long-time listener who's been here since day one or you just found your…

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99. Keep, Cancel, or Change: Simple Steps to a Stronger Credit Card Portfolio 34:26

5M ago34:26

34:26

In this episode, I walk you through my simple 5-step process for evaluating which rewards credit cards deserve to keep their coveted spots in your wallet for another year. I explain why regularly assessing your card lineup is crucial for aligning your strategy with your evolving points goals and spending patterns. By the end, you'll know exactly ho…

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98. 2024 Year in Review: Points Redeeming Rundown with Dr. Sujatha Murali (Part 2) 1:06:01

5M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

In this episode, I'm joined again by Dr. Sujatha Murali for part two of our 2024 points recap. Last week, we dove into how many points we earned in 2024 and the strategies we used. This week, the fun continues as we reveal exactly how we redeemed those points. Sujatha and I share our most memorable award trips, our highest value redemptions, and th…

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97. 2024 Year in Review: Points Earning Rundown with Dr. Sujatha Murali (Part 1) 1:23:02

5M ago1:23:02

1:23:02

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Sujatha Murali for an in-depth look at our 2024 points earning strategies, successes, and surprises. Get ready for a peek inside our wallets as we break down the nitty-gritty details of our points game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of points and miles, this episode is packed with…

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96. End the Year Like a Points Pro: Your Step-by-Step Points Review Guide 21:32

5M ago21:32

21:32

As another year comes to a close, I have a tradition of looking back and taking stock of how many points I earned, how I earned them, and the value I got from redeeming them. It's an enlightening and even surprising exercise that I believe every points and miles enthusiast should do. I invite you to conduct your own points year in review and even g…

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95. Flying Two for One: Do's and Don'ts for Snagging a Southwest Companion Pass with Lyn Mettler 1:10:06

5M ago1:10:06

1:10:06

We’re almost at the end of 2024, which means it’s the season to start laying the foundation for earning one of the most extraordinary perks in points travel: the Southwest Companion Pass. With that in mind, it’s time to revisit a conversation from this time last year with Southwest expert Lyn Mettler. A longtime travel journalist, Lyn has been writ…

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94. Expert Analysis: 2024 Points and Miles Winners, Losers, and Key Trends with Kevin Zanes 1:01:36

6M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Kevin Zanes, The Points Analyst, is here to share his expert take on the highlights and lowlights, the winners and losers, and the key developments that defined award travel in 2024. Together, we'll be unpacking the most significant events and digging into what these changes mean for points enthusiasts moving forward. From major devaluations that s…

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93. Buckle Up, BOGO: Strategies for Maximizing the Southwest Companion Pass with Dr. Michelle Walther 26:42

6M ago26:42

26:42

I'm joined by Dr. Michelle Walther, who has been leveraging the Southwest Companion Pass to save money and make unforgettable memories with her family. Michelle is an emergency medicine physician, mom to two amazing girls, and wife to a retired army medic. When she's not saving lives, she's saving miles, turning her love for travel into a family ad…

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92. Award Travel Hotspot: Unlocking Mexico City’s Hidden Potential with Kelsi Sullivan 37:30

6M ago37:30

37:30

Kelsi Sullivan grew up in Puerto Rico and Mexico City and has lived in way too many places, but her favorite was when she lived in Sri Lanka for 3 years! Traveling for Kelsi is about connection to people, food, culture, and history. In the travel rewards space, she is a solo traveler who loves a bougie last minute business class deal! Learn how to …

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[BONUS EPISODE] Eyewear That Fits Your Face and Your Culture: Tribal Eyes' Inspiring Story with Dr. Ona Utuama 25:08

6M ago25:08

25:08

In this bonus episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Ona Utuama, the brilliant founder of Tribal Eyes. As a family medicine physician, Dr. Ona experienced firsthand the challenges of finding well-fitting, stylish eyewear. Frustrated with the lack of options, she set out to create a brand that celebrates diversity and offers a perfect fit for…

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91. 10 Wanderlust-Worthy Travel Gifts for the 2024 Holiday Season 26:24

6M ago26:24

26:24

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the travel lover in your life this holiday season? Whether you're shopping for friends, family, or just treating yourself, I've got you covered with 10 fantastic travel-related gift ideas that are sure to delight. From products that make travel easier to subscription boxes that bring the flavors of the world…

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[BONUS EPISODE] Daily Drop Pro: Your All-In-One Award Travel Tool with Megan Johnston 37:08

6M ago37:08

37:08

Have you been searching for a tool to simplify your award travel bookings? In this bonus episode, I'm joined by Megan Johnston, Community Manager at Daily Drop, to discuss their recently launched all-in-one software: Daily Drop Pro. This innovative platform combines an award search engine, cash flight deal finder, and points community all in one pl…

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90. Points Play: The Ultimate ‘Would You Rather’ Game 1:24:15

7M ago1:24:15

1:24:15

Get ready for an entertaining and informative discussion as Kevin Zanes, Dr. Sujatha Murali, Kelly from The Points and Miles Doc, and Dr. Andrea Mabry tackle hypothetical questions that will make you think about how you value and use your points and miles. None of the guests were given any warning about what they might get asked, so expect plenty o…

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89. The Ultimate Guide to American Express Points with Kamree Price 45:05

7M ago45:05

45:05

For today’s conversation, I’m joined by Kamree Price, founder of Our Family Passport and an expert in earning and redeeming Amex points for family travel. Kamree has been to over 50 countries using points and miles, most of them with her blended family of six. She specializes in finding creative ways to maximize the American Express program for her…

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88. Southwest Rapid Rewards is Changing: Here’s What You Need to Know with Lyn Mettler 40:02

7M ago40:02

40:02

Lyn Mettler is a longtime travel journalist who has cracked the code on flying her family of four for free, going from one car trip a year to six free flights annually. Through her Families Fly Free podcast and membership, she teaches others her simple system for maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards. In this episode, Lyn breaks down the recently anno…

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87. Behind the Scenes at PMTFC Conference: Insights, Highlights, and Travel Tips 46:43

7M ago46:43

46:43

Have you ever attended a points and miles conference and walked away feeling like your travel hacking game has been taken to the next level? In this episode, I have Dr. Andrea Mabry back on the podcast to help me unpack our experiences of co-hosting the first-ever Point Me to First Class Conference in Chicago. From expert talks on maximizing airlin…

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86. ANA’s Around the World Ticket: The Best-Kept Secret in Points and Miles with Devan Sullivan of The Pointsisters 1:05:58

8M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Devan Sullivan is the younger of the two Pointsisters. They help their clients check off their travel bucket lists, flying in style and comfort to far-flung destinations like Australia, South Africa, Japan and more. Devan herself has taken two Around the World ANA trips in 2024 alone, including a seven-week delayed honeymoon and a four-week adventu…

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85. Lounge like a Pro: Your Insider’s Guide to Airport Lounges Using Credit Cards with Traci Siegel 47:48

8M ago47:48

47:48

My guest this week returning to the podcast is points expert Traci Siegel, a non-practicing attorney who has been using miles and points to travel around the US and the world with her family of four since 2011. She's been teaching friends how to hack their families' travel for years, and now she teaches her followers how to expand their travel budg…

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84. Amex to Alaska: 3 Business Class Award Redemptions You’ll Want to Book Now 30:34

8M ago30:34

30:34

In this episode, I dive deep into the implications of the Alaska-Hawaiian merger and explore how you can now effectively transfer your Amex points to Alaska Airlines via Hawaiian Airlines. This is a game-changer for anyone looking to book high-value award flights on Alaska and its partner airlines. Discover the three partner award flights that I'm …

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83. From Points to Paradise: Planning your Bora Bora Getaway with Dr. Chandani DeZure 34:31

8M ago34:31

34:31

There’s one tropical dream destination that makes its way onto many points enthusiasts’ wish lists: Bora Bora. I have a fantastic guest on today’s show who just returned from an incredible anniversary trip to this iconic paradise, flying business class on points, and she's here to spill all the details. Dr. Chandani DeZure is a returning guest to t…

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82. Best Airlines, Gear & Destinations for Globetrotting with Young Kids from Kristin Addis 38:41

8M ago38:41

38:41

In this episode, I'm joined by Kristin Addis, creator of Be My Travel Muse, one of the world’s most-read travel blogs, and Parenthood Adventures. Kristin has visited 65 countries and collected 16 passport stamps for her toddler son. She shares her wealth of knowledge on solo female travel, which she has been doing since 2012, and more recently, her…

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81. Earning Points for Real Estate Transactions: The Inside Scoop with RBN Founder Dr. Kipp Lassetter 40:21

9M ago40:21

40:21

Dr. Kipp Lassetter is a physician and tech entrepreneur with a distinguished background in emergency medicine and healthcare IT. Currently, Dr. Kipp is focused on revolutionizing the real estate industry as the founder of RBN, a startup dedicated to rewarding consumers with valuable points when they buy or sell a home with a top local realtor. Tune…

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80. A Dream Empty Nest Trip to Spain Using Points with Dr. Melissa Parsons 30:37

9M ago30:37

30:37

Melissa Parsons, MD, is a recently retired Board-Certified Pediatrician and now a life coach who helps amazing women learn to love their lives. Today, however, she’s here to talk about how she booked a phenomenal trip just two months in advance, getting amazing deals in the process. While not everything went perfectly to plan— from a record-breakin…

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79. Hotel Award Travel Fundamentals with Ben Komenkul 43:29

9M ago43:29

43:29

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Komenkul, who knows everything there is to know about leveraging points for hotel stays. Ben is a seasoned expert in the world of Points and Miles, with over a decade of experience mastering the art of travel rewards. As the founder of Ben’s Big Deal, he combines his deep understanding of financial services, gai…

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78. Score Bonus Points and Waived Fees: The Art of the Credit Card Retention Call with Dr. Suzy Spadafora 37:10

9M ago37:10

37:10

Dr. Suzy Spadafora is back on the show this week. She’s a points and miles pro who has opened over 30 rewards credit cards since 2016, and her P2 has opened 25. She keeps detailed notes on the retention offers she scores each year when annual fees hit. By employing a few simple strategies, Dr. Suzy often convinces banks to incentivize her to keep h…

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77. Capital One: The Points Sleeper Agent That's Coming to Life with the Points and Miles Doc 48:00

10M ago48:00

48:00

Kelly, the Points and Miles Doc, is a returning guest on the podcast, and she has a wealth of knowledge to share on the Capital One transferable points currency. I recently started focusing on Capital One in my own points strategy, so we have a ton to discuss. Tune in this week to learn everything you need to know about the world of Capital One. We…

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76. Your Mid-Year Points Check-In: How to Evaluate and Recalibrate Your Strategy 33:41

10M ago33:41

33:41

Doing a points check-in is the best possible way to recalibrate and course correct while there's still plenty of time left in the year. This means getting clear on every aspect of your points world, including your current points balances, credit card welcome bonuses, loyalty program status, and estimating your upcoming spend. Whether you're brand n…

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75. Getting Your P2 Approved, Business Credit Cards for W-2 Employees, and the Future of Points and Miles: Q&A 59:29

10M ago59:29

59:29

Do you need a profitable business to apply for business credit cards? If your P2 has been repeatedly rejected for new card applications, how do you get them accepted? In this listener Q&A episode, we dive into a variety of topics related to optimizing your credit card strategy, whether you're just getting started in the points and miles game or loo…

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74. Unlocking Sweet Spot Awards: Scoring Amazing Flight Deals with Allison Tackette 1:10:47

10M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

One of the most rewarding ways to get the most value from your points is booking sweet spot awards. These awards represent unique opportunities to book incredible flights at points prices that are a steal, but in order to take advantage of these sweet spots, you have to know what you're looking for. That's where award travel expert Allison Tackette…

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73. The Secret to Booking Your Dream Safari: Budget, Locations, and Luxury (If You Want It) with Dr. Niki Topp 57:46

11M ago57:46

57:46

Dr. Niki Topp is a board-certified OB/GYN who is now retired from clinical practice. After moving to South Africa 8 years ago, her career focus switched toward philanthropy and opening her own small business. She is also the founder and director of a non-profit called Ithemba Ngemfundo, which focuses on improving early education in the townships of…

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72. Horses, Zebras, and Unicorns: Business Class Award Flight Edition (Part 2) 39:04

11M ago39:04

39:04

Is it possible to book four or more business class award tickets on the same flight? You might think it's outright impossible to get a deal like this, but in my experience, you have more options than you think. When you know what you're looking for and you have a strategy for getting it, you increase your chances of finding what you want. That's ex…

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71. Horses, Zebras, and Unicorns: Business Class Award Flight Edition (Part 1) 30:41

11M ago30:41

30:41

In the world of points travel, you're probably familiar with the concept of a unicorn award. These are flights so rare they might as well be magical, mythical creatures because your chances of seeing one are slim to non-existent. Award flights, especially long-haul business class award flights, are not all created equal in terms of how easy they ar…